Jack Draper relishing Novak Djokovic clash to exorcise debut Wimbledon demons
Jack Draper has secured his place in the Indian Wells last 16 following a commanding 6-1 7-5 triumph over Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo.
The British number one is mounting a remarkable title defence at the California tournament, competing in just his second ATP Tour event since returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The 24-year-old spent nearly eight months recovering from an arm injury that kept him away from competitive tennis since last summer.
His victory over the 19th seed sets up a tantalising encounter with Novak Djokovic in the next round, a prospect the young Briton appears to welcome.
Jack Draper cannot wait to meet Novak Djokovic on court for a second time
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REUTERS
This forthcoming contest will mark only the second occasion these two players have faced each other on court.
Their previous meeting came five years ago at Wimbledon, where Draper suffered a four-set defeat during his debut at the Championships.
“I know what to expect from Novak,” Draper said.
“I have been watching him since I was young. He’s obviously, I think, the greatest tennis player of all time. His mentality and just his level of tennis is always incredibly high.”
The Briton acknowledged he must perform at his peak against the 24-time grand slam champion whilst expressing gratitude for the opportunity to compete at this level once more.
Jack Draper has admitted he must play at his best to stand a chance against Novak Djokovic
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REUTERS
“I’m going to have to play really well and take my chances but, more than anything, (I’m) just very grateful to not only be out here but to be having the opportunity to play against these guys and keep on improving my level and giving myself another chance to compete on the stages I want to be at,” Draper added.
Against Cerundolo, Draper swept through the opening set with ease but encountered difficulties in the second, finding himself a break down on two separate occasions.
The defending champion conceded he is still seeking greater consistency in his game, something he believes will develop with more match practice.
Should Djokovic prevail in their upcoming encounter, Draper would relinquish his position as British number one to Cameron Norrie.
Novak Djokovic might be getting on in years but is still a force to be reckoned with
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REUTERSNorrie enjoyed an impressive outing of his own, dispatching sixth seed Alex De Minaur 6-4 6-4 in what proved one of his finest displays.
The former British number one will face Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata in the fourth round.
Sonay Kartal, Britain’s second-ranked woman, also progressed despite battling through back discomfort.
She recovered from losing the opening set to defeat former Australian Open winner Madison Keys 2-6 6-2 6-3.
“At times in this match I was in discomfort with my back, so it’s a match like today which shows the fighter in me,” Kartal said.
“On these courts I do feel I can beat anyone on any given day.”
